WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.- The Palm Beach Atlantic baseball team fell to Rollins by a final score of 11-1 in the series finale and senior day on Saturday at J.M. Jake Rubin Park.
PBA managed four hits and one run, while Rollins accumulated 11 runs on 10 hits.
A decisive eighth inning proved pivotal as Rollins capitalized on PBA's miscues to extend its lead. A bases-loaded double from a Rollins batter brought home three runs, followed by an error that allowed another run to score. This sequence widened the gap, making it difficult for the 'Fish to mount a comeback.
The Sailfish showed potential in the third inning.
Adrian Diaz doubled to left field, and
Patrick Rakes delivered an RBI single to bring home Diaz, cutting the deficit to 4-1. However, the Sailfish missed additional scoring opportunities with stranded runners and couldn't continue the momentum. Despite efforts by players like
Kody Kelly, who reached base twice, the team struggled to convert chances into runs.
Nolan Smoot pitched for 6 innings, allowing 8 hits and 7 runs, 5 of which were earned, while striking out 2 and walking 2 in his start. Notably, Smoot recorded a season-high total of 11 ground outs, showcasing his skill in managing contact. He also surpassed his season averages by throwing a total of 89 pitches and achieving 2 fielding assists, emphasizing his exceptional performance on the mound despite the challenging game.
A.J. Prendergast relieved Smoot and delivered a scoreless inning, allowing no hits or walks over 13 pitches, with 9 of those being strikes.
Jamie McMahon followed and pitched 1 inning, conceding 2 hits and 4 runs, 3 earned, with 2 walks and a hit batter, throwing a total of 36 pitches.
Adrian Diaz, a freshman, scored one run and hit a double in the game.
Patrick Rakes added one hit and one RBI, contributing to the team's offensive efforts. On the mound,
A.J. Prendergast pitched one scoreless inning, allowing no hits and no walks.
Nolan Smoot threw six innings with two strikeouts, though he allowed six earned runs on eight hits.
This marks the end of the Sailfish baseball season. PBA finishes with an 11-38 overall record while finishing 5-25 in conference play.
